Second piece of Panther puzzle locked in as Yeo signs new deal
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Isaah Yeo said he had "no other intentions" but to remain at the Panthers after announcing a three-year extension with the 2020 minor premiers on Friday.
Just three days after being unveiled as a co-captain alongside Nathan Cleary, Yeo's retention until at least the end of 2024 comes as the club looks to fend away rivals and lock in a core group of off-contract stars.
Having arrived at the Panthers as a 17-year-old from Dubbo, Yeo is now the longest-serving player at the club following the departure of Dean Whare to the Super League.
"I had no intentions of doing anything other than re-signing with Panthers," Yeo said.
"I love playing for this club. I really couldn't see myself in another jersey.
"If anyone asked me when I first came to Penrith if I would play first grade, I would have said they were crazy.
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"To think I'm here now and this deal is going to take me through to the age of 30 is incredible. It's been quite a journey and something I'm very proud of.
"Hopefully over the next few years we can bring a premiership to Penrith and I can play my part in that."
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the re-signing was crucial to the club's bid to remain at the top in the Telstra Premiership.
"Everyone at the club is stoked to get this deal done," Cleary said.
"I think Isaah is hitting the sweet spot of his career. His performances last year and his Origin debut have solidified his self-belief, which was already strong, but has gone to another level.
"He's going to be a really important player for our club over the next four years."
Yeo is the second piece to the retention puzzle after the Panthers secured Spencer Leniu on a long-term deal in December.
The Panthers are now expected to turn their attention to locking in five-eighth Jarome Luai and boom centre Stephen Crichton on new deals after breakout seasons in 2020.
It's understood fresh contracts are expected to be confirmed for the pair before the side's opening game against the Cowboys on March 13.
